Study on Effects of Process Variables on the Yield of Ammonium Uranyl Carbonate Precipitation from Uranyl Nitrate-Ammonium Carbonate Solutions

Abstract

Ammonium uranyl carbonate (AUC), an intermediate material in the process of conversion of yellowcake to uranium hexafluoride, was produced by injection of an aqueous solution of ammonium carbonate (AC) into uranyl nitrate solution. The target parameter in optimization of this process was the yield of the precipitation, as morphology and size distribution of AUC play no role in its post processing to UF6. The aim of the current study was the experimental investigation of the effects of the process variables on the yield of AUC precipitation. The results showed that the flow rate and flow pattern of the injection of the AC solution, aging time, impeller speed, and temperature had little effects on the yield of AUC precipitation. On the other hand, the yield was increased by increasing the ammonium carbonate to uranyl nitrate molar ratio, ammonium carbonate concentration, and uranyl nitrate concentration. However, it decreased by increasing the molar ratio of CO32- to NH4+ ions in the ammonium carbonate solution.

Keywords

• ammonium uranyl carbonate
• ammonium carbonate
• uranyl nitrate
• yield of precipitation